PAK v NZ 2018: Ajaz Patel feels facing Kohli will be a great challenge when India tours New Zealand

Ajaz Patel had a dream debut against Pakistan picking a fifer and aiding NZ win by 4 runs.

New Zealand left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel has vowed to keep the pressure on Pakistan for a longer period of time in the series decider second Test to be played from November 24 (Saturday) in Dubai after guiding the national side to a spectacular win in the first Test with his mighty spin bowling.

The 30-year-old had a dream Test debut in Abu Dhabi, claiming a memorable 5-59 to help New Zealand register an amazing four-run win over Pakistan as the hosts failed to chase down a paltry 176-run target.

Patel told AFP on Thursday, “I think it will be pretty much the same plan, to keep the pressure for a longer period of time and keep bowling good balls in good areas. A good ball is a good ball in Test cricket and batters respect that. Likewise, they will put pressure back on us so it's a bit of a cat and mouse game, backward and forward, so we will do our best.”

While lauding New Zealand's never-say-die approach, he said, “To be honest we had the belief that it can happen on this wicket which wasn't easy to bat on and we kept that belief that we can pull that off.”

The left-arm spinner believes that New Zealand’s tradition of fighting hard makes everything possible for the side at any point in time in the game.

He added, “I think it's a very much a New Zealand environment thing, that is that everything is possible at any point of time and we always go out and fight regardless of chasing or defending a small total or a large total. Cricket is a funny game and one ball can change things very quickly so it's one of those things. If you keep fighting every ball you walk off satisfied and we take this approach in every game.”

Meanwhile, Indian-born Patel is aiming to earn a place in the Black Caps squad for the upcoming India series, hoping to test his skills against batting maestro Virat Kohli.

He signed off by saying, “I will be fortunate if I am able to play in that series. As a growing Indian you are always passionate about cricket and you watch a lot of great Indian players just like I have watched New Zealand players. Kohli will be a great challenge. You always want to challenge yourself against the best and he is the best in the world. So if that comes I will cherish it and give it the best crack.”